Speaking at the 10th HAEE Symposium, the CEO of Enaon emphasized that, leveraging the expertise of the Italgas Group, Enaon supports the establishment of a modern, comprehensive and clearly defined regulatory framework for the development of the biomethane market.
Enaon, a company of the Italgas Group, affirms the operational readiness of the gas distribution infrastructure it manages for the injection and delivery of biomethane into its Greek network. The need for all stakeholders to be coordinated for the development of the biomethane and hydrogen market in Greece through a comprehensive and clear institutional framework was stressed by Ms Barbara Morgante, CEO of Enaon, during her presentation at the 10th Energy Transition Symposium, entitled “A Decade of Energy Transition: Adapting for Tomorrow“, organized by the Hellenic Association for Energy Economics (HAEE) in Athens.
The CEO of Enaon, spoke , among other distinguished speakers -Ms Eleni Bairami, Owner and Managing Director, ECO Hellas, Mr. Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, CEO, Hydrogen Europe and Mr. Dimitris Kardomateas, BoD President & General Manager, CRES – in the thematic session “The Complex Path of Europe’s Energy Shift: Hydrogen and Alternative Fuels as Key Players” of the Symposium. Ms Morgante underlined that as part of the ongoing consultation on the regulatory framework, Enaon will contribute with specific proposals, drawing on the Italgas Group’s expertise and experience as, in Italy, a large number of biomethane plants are already connected to the domestic grid. With a clear strategic focus on sustainable energy and the ciricular economy, Enaon reaffirms its role as a key enabler of Greece’s green transition.
“The networks managed by Enaon, through its subsidiary Enaon EDA, across 9 regions of Greece, are smart and digital, ready to immediately distribute biomethane. At the same time, we are preparing them to be able to accommodate hydrogen in the future. Italgas΄ experience in the digital transformation of the networks, a key factor enabling decarbonization, will contribute to ensuring that the distribution networks in Greece can host renewable gases, thereby strengthening the resilience and security of the energy system. Natural gas distribution infrastructure is therefore of critical importance in supporting the country’s transition towards a sustainable energy future,” emphasized the CEO of Enaon.
Referring to the recent extended blackout in Spain, which caused significant losses to the country’s economy, Ms. Morgante emphasized the importance of diversifying energy sources to ensure energy security, stating: “The blackout that occurred in Spain proves that no energy source should be abandoned in favor of a single solution. In Greece, as in Italy, we have significant natural gas distribution infrastructure that we should take advantage of in order to achieve decarbonization goals and maintain the flexibility and reliability of the overall system. These infrastructure is an asset in addressing the energy trilemma, as Enaon’s modernised distribution network is uniquely positioned to offer a cost-effective solution that ensures energy security and supports the energy transition. Therefore, let us not abandon what we have built, driven by ideological approaches, and without compromising energy security or affordability for the customers” she noted.
As part of its strategy toward a sustainable energy future, Enaon is proceeding with the development of advanced infrastructure in new areas of Greece and the digital transformation of its existing networks. This includes the replacement of conventional meters with “H2 ready” smart meters, which enable the management of natural gas and renewable gas blends.
At the same time, Enaon has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with HABIO, Hellenic Association of Biogas Producers, as well as with other biogas producers who have already expressed strong interest in converting their units for the production of biomethane, which will be injected into the distribution networks. Enaon reaffirms its strategic commitment to promoting key partnerships, and stands ready to work with all institutional stakeholders in shaping a functional and sustainable framework that will turn biomethane into a real opportunity for Greece, while contributing to the circular economy model and the sustainable development of rural areas, generating positive impacts on local communities.
